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MG MGB Technical - Steering wheel is no longer centered!

Hi all,
I've just got my '69B out on the road for the first time since winter. However after about a week of driving I've notice that my steering wheel is no longer centered when I'm traveling straight. The car tracks straight but the problem is that the steering wheel looks like I should be taking a right turn. I've checked the archives and can't really find any problems that are similar. I don't want to drive the car since the steering system seems to be a pretty important part of driving.
I'd like to investigate this weekend...I'm hoping someone has some insight on where to begin. I have not done anything to the steering since I got the car a year ago. Could the steering u-joint be slipping?
Bryan Fournier

Check to see if you've got a broken leaf spring. You might find one of the rear wheels set well back in the wheel well!
Rob Edwards

Bryan, hmmm mine is like that, always has been in the year I've owned it. It passed the MOT test like that so I think it is safe. Yours may be different odd that it happened over winter though, perhaps that happended to mine at some stage. I was thinking of taking the steering wheel off and moving it on the spline. Richard
Richard Evans

Bryan, Do you have the correct air pressure in your tires? Start by checking the air pressure in all tires. As Rob said make sure the rear springs are ok. You can center the steering wheel by removing the wheel and installing it in the straight ahead position. If it needs to be moved more than one or two teeth you may need to reposition the cam for cancelling the turn signal lights. The cam can be rotated with needle nose pliers or a heavy screwdriver. There is another method, turn the tie rods equal amounts in opposite directions but it's easy to get confused and screw up the toe in when using this method. Good luck, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Thanks to all for their comments. Rob was right on. My passenger side leaf spring is broken...So I'm going to replace them both and see if the problem fixes itself.
So seeing as I need new springs I'll be checking the archives on standard springs vs. lowered springs...
Thanks again.
-Bryan.
Bryan Fournier

Bryan,
I had the exact same thing happen to me -- that's why I suggested it. In my case it was also the right side... And, I've got a parts car with a broken right spring. Hmm.

Anyway, I got a set of "UK made" springs from a Moss distributor here locally, and as predicted by many people, the rear now sits too high. Not entirely sure what the answer is. There doesn't seem to be a foolproof way to get proper springs. I'm looking at having mine re-arched.

When you do buy springs, also get the spring perch pads, rebound straps, rear shackle bushes, and new front spring eye bolts.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out!
Rob Edwards

This thread was discussed between 03/04/2003 and 04/04/2003

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